Bluetooth · Connect guide
How to turn on Bluetooth and connect a device
Sources checked · how we check
Pairing works the same way everywhere: put the accessory into pairing mode, then choose it in your phone's or computer's Bluetooth settings. Once paired, devices reconnect without doing it again.
01 · Before you start
Check these first
- Turn on the Bluetooth device and make sure it's discoverable. The device's own documentation says how to put it in pairing mode.
- Keep it close to the phone or computer you're pairing it with.
Source: Apple Mac User Guide: connect a Bluetooth device with your Mac
02 · Connect
Step by step, by device
iPhone or iPad
Settings → Bluetooth → tap the accessory
- Go to Settings, tap Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth.
- Look for the accessory in the list and tap its name when it appears. You might need to enter a PIN or passcode.
AirPods and Beats pair differently: see their own connect guides.
Source: Apple: connect a third-party Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone or iPad
Android
Swipe down → touch and hold Bluetooth → Pair new device
- Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap Bluetooth to turn it on.
- Touch and hold Bluetooth, tap Pair new device, then tap the name of the device and follow the on-screen instructions.
Google notes some of these steps work only on Android 15 and up, so menus may differ on older phones.
Source: Google: find and set up Bluetooth devices near your Android device
Windows 11
Quick settings → Manage Bluetooth devices → New devices
- Select the Network, Sound or Battery icon next to the time and date, and make sure the Bluetooth tile is on.
- Select the Manage Bluetooth devices arrow on the Bluetooth quick setting.
- Select the device under New devices, follow any instructions, then select Done.
Turning Bluetooth on, Swift Pair and Windows 10 steps are in the Windows Bluetooth guide.
Windows 10
Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices → Add Bluetooth or other device
- Select Start → Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices.
- Select Add Bluetooth or other device, then Bluetooth.
- Choose the device, follow any instructions, then select Done.
Mac
System Settings → Bluetooth → Connect
- Choose Apple menu → System Settings, then click Bluetooth in the sidebar.
- Hold the pointer over the device in the list, then click Connect.
- If asked, click Accept, or enter the numbers shown and press Return.
Source: Apple Mac User Guide: connect a Bluetooth device with your Mac
If it still won't connect
Make sure the Bluetooth device is turned on, charged or has fresh batteries, and in range. Check Airplane mode is off, turn Bluetooth off, wait a few seconds and turn it back on. If that doesn't work, remove the device from your Bluetooth list and pair it again.
Frequently asked questions
How do I unpair a Bluetooth device?
iPhone: Settings → Bluetooth → the More Info button next to the device → Forget this Device. Android: touch and hold Bluetooth, tap Settings next to the device, then Forget. Mac: Control-click the device in Bluetooth settings, then click Forget.
Do I have to pair a Bluetooth device every time?
No. Google says devices stay paired until you unpair them, and after the first pairing they can reconnect automatically.